Dear Mom,

I know that I can be a lot to handle, most teenage girls are, but you really stuck it out. I see a lot of your qualities in myself and hope that someday I can be as amazing as you are. I also inherited some qualities that I'm sure didn't make raising me easy. I know that I'm hard-headed and stubborn but you never stopped trying to reason with me. I also know I constantly think that I am right, but I know, deep down, that you are the one who has always been right about everything. It is true when they that with age comes wisdom.

In high school, I was really standoffish, but I hope you know that those were just my rebellious teenage years. I never meant any of the ridiculous things I said. This is another trait I inherited from you, your impulsive behavior. Even though I act on impulse, I know that I can call you with anything, and there will never be any judgments made.

Thank you for always picking up the phone, and thank you for always knowing exactly what to say to make me feel better. I could feel like it's the end of the world and somehow you make me smile. Thank you for being one of my best friends. I know that I can seem ungrateful sometimes but words could not describe how truly appreciative I am for everything you have done for me. I would not be the woman I am today without your guidance. You have always been my role model.

Thank you for always believing in me. No matter how big the task or how far-fetched the goal, you are always ready to do whatever it takes to help me reach it, especially in my athletic career. Thanks for driving all over the country to watch me play, and now flying all over the place to continue to watch me play. Leaving for college and being on my own has really made me realize everything you did for me in high school. Thank you for the little things. Thank you for continuing to love me the most even though I behave ridiculously most of the time.

I think it took me moving away to comprehend how much you do for me, and I hope one day I'm lucky enough to have a daughter. I also hope that I can be as good of a mom as you have been to me. Thank you for being by my side through it all, whether it's an injury, frustration with school, or my first heartbreak, you never left my side.

I am the woman I am today because of you, and I owe all my success to you. No matter how many times I tried to rebel, thank you for keeping my on the right track. I know that as I get older you think that I don't need you as much, but that is the furthest thing from true. You're my best friend, and I'll always need you. Thank you for guiding and continuing to guide me through this hectic life. I love you.